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Side car addition??

I would like to add a sidecar to my 1990 K100LT.
By itself this K bike is "just a tad" too heavy for me.
Once out on the highway it runs super smooth.
However, I prefer to take secondary roads and
take my wife along with me. I very seldom take
her on trips as she cannot stand more than 45 minutes
of riding without having to stretch.
So I am asking for help from anyone with a similar bike
to tell me if this K100LT is suitable for a sidecar
installation. Any help is much appreciated.

I would like to add a sidecar to my 1990 K100LT.
By itself this K bike is "just a tad" too heavy for me.
Once out on the highway it runs super smooth.
However, I prefer to take secondary roads and
take my wife along with me. I very seldom take
her on trips as she cannot stand more than 45 minutes
of riding without having to stretch.
So I am asking for help from anyone with a similar bike
to tell me if this K100LT is suitable for a sidecar
installation. Any help is much appreciated.

I have had only one bike with a sidecar but from my limited experience it would probably be a lot less expensive and fewer headaches to find a used hack and keep your LT for solo trips. Or if the LT is still to heavy for you on solo trips get a lighter bike because, again from my experience, long solo trips are not fun with a hack.

K100LT and sidecar

Thanks, Jim. Yep! I agree with you that solo trips
with a sidecar lessen the experience of the motorcycle.
I have an F650CS that I use for solo touring.
The K bike was a great buy so I dislike selling it.
I already bought a used sidecar for it and just wanted
to know if the consensus was "yes" it will work for you
or, "no" do not attempt it.
The only drawback with the sidecar venue is that you
have to slow down a lot, but with camping, you can
carry all you need. Again, thanks for the replies.

Thanks, Jim. Yep! I agree with you that solo trips
with a sidecar lessen the experience of the motorcycle.
I have an F650CS that I use for solo touring.
The K bike was a great buy so I dislike selling it.
I already bought a used sidecar for it and just wanted
to know if the consensus was "yes" it will work for you
or, "no" do not attempt it.
The only drawback with the sidecar venue is that you
have to slow down a lot, but with camping, you can
carry all you need. Again, thanks for the replies.

Disagree. First, understand that a sidecar operation is very different from a solo bike. You are still in the wind. My wife & I did 3000 miles last year to Sedalia. She has never taken that long a trip on a solo bike. You must be aware of the differences. It is still a great experience and a great way to travel. With experience, you don't slow down that much.
Get a copy of the Yellow Book (How to operate a sidecar) by David Hough. Or go to the USCA site, there are some free down loads vaailable of sidecar operation and setup.
I also strongly suggest you peruse the Hacks Forum on ADVRider, there is a wealth of knowledge there.
BTW, your K bike will be a great tug.

Bob -- Barley and I definitely go slower on the GSA hack than I do solo on the GS. On the 4800 mile round trip to Sedalia and back I averaged three miles per hour LESS than my solo trip to Eau Claire. So you see, sidecars definitely slow you down.

Bob -- Barley and I definitely go slower on the GSA hack than I do solo on the GS. On the 4800 mile round trip to Sedalia and back I averaged three miles per hour LESS than my solo trip to Eau Claire. So you see, sidecars definitely slow you down.

Setting up the K100LT sidecar

Thank you Bob, for the word of encouragement...
"the K100 will make a good tug".
I know there are differences, and your example
of taking your wife to Sedalia is 'spot on' with
what I am trying to accomplish.
But it will take me a while to achieve that degree
of confidence.
Humberto in New Mexico

Thank you Bob, for the word of encouragement...
"the K100 will make a good tug".
I know there are differences, and your example
of taking your wife to Sedalia is 'spot on' with
what I am trying to accomplish.
But it will take me a while to achieve that degree
of confidence.
Humberto in New Mexico

Humberto,
Do some research on sidecar operation and setup. You will need a subframe for attaching the car to your K. You didn't mention what car you have, but too light a car will not work well. Getting the setup correct will make the experience much better. A poor handling rig will make you wonder how and why anybody rides a sidecar, plus it's dangerous.
Good luck with your quest.

Humberto,
I have a 1995 K1100LT with a EZS side car, your rig will do fine--The advise here is good contact DMC or Claude about a subframe for your bike to attach the car. ADVrider site has an active sidecar forum with lots of help on setup, who ever you get your subframe from can help with this also. Driving a sidecar is VERY different from riding a bike solo---The yellow book is a great place to start---The best money spent though is taking a sidecar specific class from a sidecar instructor. I am an MSF rider coach and did not hesitate to take a class as soon as possible after I got my rig. I disagree on trips though, I travel just as well as on my solo machine as the car. My wife seems to like the car better on the longer trips, more comfortable for her. Let me tell you I get many more looks and thumbs up on my three wheel rig then I do on my solo bike, especially flying the chair!! Have fun and good luck on setting up your rig.
Lance

Terraplane sidecar set-up

Lance, thanks for your input. Especially the picture
of your K1100LT; that is really great.
I have already talked to DMC. He said I needed a
4-point attachment.
The Terraplane sidecar only has "three" attaching
points. The 72 year old gentleman who sold me the
sidecar has been riding an IDENTICAL one. He has
been riding for 35 years. The one he sold me was
his spare. And between he and his brother, they
fabricated all their own mounts. Nothing was bought.
This gentleman lives 25 miles from where I live.
And he belongs to 5 different reputable, respectable
clubs. Plus, he is a true Patriot.
So as much as I truly appreciate all the feedback I
have received from all of you, the bottom line is that
unless a supplier were to provide the subframe for
a 3-point attachment, I feel capable and competent
to do the fabrication myself. The pictures ya'all
have provided speak volumes. Thank you.
Humberto in New Mexico

I have had only one bike with a sidecar but from my limited experience it would probably be a lot less expensive and fewer headaches to find a used hack and keep your LT for solo trips. Or if the LT is still to heavy for you on solo trips get a lighter bike because, again from my experience, long solo trips are not fun with a hack.

...and I would TOTALLY disagree with that statement. Any trip is fun on a hack. What changes? Attitude?
Minimally you can set it up so you can remove the hack and go back to two wheels... But quite honestly you won't.
You'll discover that after 15 -20 minutes of conversations at the local market and or gas stations. Plus, PEOPLE SEE YOU! And they wave.

The only similarity to a motorcycle and one pulling a hack is that it's pulling the hack. All handling characteristics have changed.
Someone mentioned David Hough's book(s).
These are required reading IMHO.